Payment Policy

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Fee Payment 

The University of Southern Mississippi implemented a new payment policy effective Fall 2019 in an effort to

• Increase students' awareness of the expenses they will have each semester,
• Ensure students pay off balances in time to register for the next term, and
• Reduce student debt from unpaid bills

Students who have a balance after their anticipated financial aid is calculated can choose two payment options:

1. Payment in full of the Total Due listed on the What I Owe page in SOAR which subtracts all anticipated financial aid from current charges.
2. Enrollment in the Installment Payment Plan with the first payment being due at enrollment. The payment plan offered by Southern Miss:

• Requires a minimum current term Total Due of $500 to enroll
• Has a $50 non-refundable enrollment fee
• Enables students to pay the current semester's Total Due in four equal installments for fall and spring and three equal installments for summer.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Class schedules will be subject to cancellation for students who do not meet the payment deadline set for each term.

Fall 2024 Dates:

• July 1 - Deadline for completion of 24/25 FAFSA and submission of any required documentation to be awarded prior to payment requirement deadlines.
• July 15 - Fall 2024 invoice available on SOAR and payment plan enrollment opens.
• August 10 - Deadline for students to pay Fall 2024 Total Due after financial aid or enroll in the payment plan with first installment being due on the date of enrollment.
• September 10 - 2nd payment plan installment due.
• October 10 - 3rd payment plan installment due.
• November 10 - Final payment plan installment due.
   

Spring 2025 Dates:

• December 15 - Spring 2025 invoice available on SOAR and payment plan enrollment opens.
• January 10 - Deadline for students to pay Spring 2025 Total Due after financial aid or enroll in the payment plan with first installment being due on the date of enrollment.
• February 10 - 2nd payment plan installment due.
• March 10 - 3rd payment plan installment due.
• April 10 - Final payment plan installment due.

Summer 2025 Dates:

• April 15 - Summer 2025 invoice available on SOAR and payment plan enrollment opens.
• May 10 - Deadline for students to pay Summer 2025 Total Due after financial aid or enroll in the payment plan with first installment being due on the date of enrollment in the plan.
• June 10 - 2nd payment plan installment due.
• July 10 - Final payment plan installment due.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I find more information about the Installment Payment Plan?

You can visit our page, Installment Payment Plan.

Where can I find the remaining balance owed after all anticipated financial aid is taken into consideration?

Log into SOAR and click on Student Dashboard > Student Account > What I Owe

When can I fill out my FAFSA for the 2024/2025 academic year?

Now! You can complete it online through FAFSA.

Where can I sign up for the payment plan?

Students can sign up for the payment plan by clicking the "Make a Payment" link on SOAR once tuition and fees have posted.  Then choose "Payment Plan" in the Payment Portal

Once I enroll in the payment plan, will it keep me enrolled for every semester?

No, you will need to enroll each semester in SOAR.

Is the $50 enrollment fee a one-time fee?

No. The enrollment fee is charged for each semester the student is enrolled in the plan. This fee is charged by CashNet, the third-party vendor which provides the installment plan service.

What happens if I have a set amount for my payment plan installments, then I charge items during the semester?

Any changes made to the payment plan balance will cause an increase or decrease in the remaining payments to cover the new balance. You will be required to agree to this change before making the payment.

How will I know when my payment is due with the installment plan?

We post the dates here on the website and CashNet will send payment reminders.

What happens if I miss a payment in my installment plan?

You will be charged a $10 late fee by CashNet once the payment becomes 15 days late. If two consecutive payments are missed, you will be removed from the payment plan and charged any applicable late fees. If you are removed from the payment plan for non-payment you will not qualify for enrollment in the payment plan for the following semester.

Why is USM creating this payment policy?

Other universities in the state and region require students to pay their balances in full or enroll in a payment plan with the first installment due prior to the start of classes. This policy ensures students are fully aware of the costs for each semester and that they are prepared to pay them before starting the semester. This helps students avoid debt they cannot manage.

Where can I get information about my financial aid?

Visit the Office of Financial Aid in 101 Kennard Washington Hall or contact them at financial.aidFREEMississippi.

Is there a place I can find more information about scholarships I can apply for?

Yes! Please visit the Office of Undergraduate Scholarships page to learn more and be sure to register in the Golden Opportunities scholarship system.

What if I am selected for verification after I complete my FAFSA by the deadline? Will my aid not be considered in my bill for the fall semester?

To be considered in your payment calculation, all documentation (including verification paperwork) must be received by Financial Aid no later than July 1.

What is the best way to pay if I am an international student?

Please visit our International Wire Transfers page for more information.

What if there is an overpayment on my account?

Please visit our Refunds page for more information regarding student refunds.